September 20, 2022
SUMMER IS OVER ... NOW WHAT?

By Jason Thompson, CPA/ABV, ASA, CFE, CFF
Partner, Director of Valuation & Litigation Services

This is a big week, as it marks the end of summer and the start of the autumn season. The days get sequentially shorter, temperatures will drop and leaves will fall. But now is your chance to rise toward a brighter future! How will you finish out this year and set yourself up for success in 2023?

As you look back on what brought you to this point and how you will move forward from here, it's easy to focus on the macro influences of the economy, the IRS and the government at large. But don't spend too much time on those forces beyond your control. Remember … the businessperson in the mirror is the only one you can control! Over the summer months, outdoor functions and activities allowed you the excuse to procrastinate on those important but not urgent initiatives. Allow this change of seasons to provide the focus and energy to address your specific success factors.

INNOVATION CAN BE FOUND IN FAILING FORWARD

By Eric Woodruff, CPA, CCIFP
Partner, Director of Audit & Assurance Services

Our society places a high value on perseverance, especially in professional pursuits. The movers and shakers of the business world often point toward the metaphor of the stonecutter persistently chipping away at a rock until it finally cracks open. However, with some tasks, there's a certain point at which you need to put down your hammer and chisel or pick up another tool — not to give up, but to find a more productive outlet for your energy. Otherwise, you're engaging in what many define as insanity, expecting success while simply repeating the same fruitless act.

In certain processes, perseverance should give way to innovation. Take note here, business leaders! Rather than a setback, "failure" could be a step forward — if you're willing to embrace a change in direction on the path to your future. Some have also described "failure" as simply the stepping stone to success.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: LISA BLANKMAN

Lisa Blankman is a Manager in the Audit & Assurance Services department. Her duties include overseeing audits, reviews, compilations and agreed-upon procedures. She also assists the tax department in reviewing business returns. She works with clients across a broad spectrum of industries, including construction and non-profits, helping them find efficiencies and become more effective in the marketplace.

Lisa graduated from Marian University and is now attending various events as an active alum. She is also a member of the Indiana CPA Society (INCPAS) and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), and she is currently serving as treasurer on the board of AYS, Inc.
Our "Lucky" 13th Anniversary

September is a special month for us here at Sponsel CPA Group — 2022 marks our firm's 13th anniversary. We started with an entrepreneurial vision, a keen focus on great client service and a strong foundation based on personal relationships with all our stakeholders. We are very proud of the team we've built over the years, and we're grateful to all the employees and their families, friends, clients, vendors and referral sources who have supported us along this journey. We THANK YOU ALL and look forward to continuing to work with you in the future, as we continue to make the firm even better.

Our Team Continues to Grow
For the second month in a row, we are pleased to welcome new team members! Sondra Gilliam (pictured right) has joined us as our Firm Administrator (a new management level position for us) — as a testimony to our growth. Our Accounting Services (AS) department continues to meet the growing demands for client services. To assist us to meet those growing demands, we are excited to welcome Jayme Yoder (pictured left) as a Manager in the Accounting Services department. Both of these new team members have significant experience and are making an immediate impact for our team and our ability to serve!